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Category: Politics

Tinubu Administration: Multiple Spokespersons, No Clear Communication

Tinubu Administration: Multiple Spokespersons, No Clear Communication

Fola Badmus015 mins

By Temidayo Akinsuyi There is no denying the fact that President Bola Tinubu has the highest number of media aides in the history of Nigeria, in the same manner his government boasts of the highest number of ministers. However, this cacophony of voices appears to be singing disjointed music, with the songs sounding fragmented, uneven or more like a ‘broken record’, like former Special Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, is wont to say. In June 2023, the president appointed Dele Alake, his former Commissioner of Information during his tenure as Lagos State Governor, as Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, making him the first media aide to the president. Soon after, he was named the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, a development sources claimed was orchestrated by a powerful cabal in the villa who do not want Alake to have direct access to the president as his chief spokesperson. Many Nigerians criticised Alake’s appointment as Solid Minerals minister because he has no expertise in the sector. However, he later clarified that the president decided to shock Nigerians by not appointing him to the information ministry, which he has a background in, but drafted him to the Solid Minerals ministry because of his sense of responsibility, expertise, and track record. Hear him: “My portfolio has been the upset of the entire cabinet because given my antecedents, exposure, and experience in the area of perception, information management, and the likes so most people have pigeonholed me for information, and so we decided to shock everybody. Now if you all can sit down to analyse the global trend of economic development, you would note that the hydrocarbon – that is, the oil is fading out and the world is moving towards alternatives like gas, electric cars, and the rest. So what is the next economic growth factor? It is solid mineral. Given the nature of this sector to our economic growth and vitality of this country which is dear to the heart of Mr President, it’s just very apt and proper for him to send me here because he knows and trusts that I have a demonstrable sense of responsibility and courage to drive the agenda; that is why I am here. We are going to drive that agenda with the full cooperation of everyone.” Two years down the line, whether Alake’s impact has been felt in the Solid Affairs Ministry is left for Nigerians to decide. In July 2023, the president appointed Ajuri Ngelale as his special adviser on media and publicity. In October of the same year, he also appointed Bayo Onanuga, a veteran journalist and one of his close allies, as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. As sources in the villa have confirmed, the young but cocky Ngelale, who added the prefix ‘Chief’ to his name, saw Onanuga as a ‘rival wife who had come to share the same husband with him’ while forgetting that while he was working as a media aide to former President Buhari, it was the likes of Onanuga who were receiving social media bullets for the president and following him everywhere during the electioneering campaign. Ngelale, who went into oblivion after he was technically eased out, crawled out of the hole last week to wish the president, whom he described as ‘his father’, a happy 73rd birthday. Like the Yorubas will say, ‘Baba egbe mo oye omo to bi (The father knows the number of his children). In August, the president also named Muhammed Idris as Minister of Information and National Orientation. Despite occupying such a visible portfolio, the highly reticent Idris, unfortunately, is one of the unknown ministers in the president’s cabinet. Unlike his predecessor, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, ask many Nigerians who Nigeria’s current Minister of Information is, and I can bet a lot of people won’t know. Aside Onanuga, other members of the president’s media team are Daniel Bwala (Special Adviser, Policy Communication); Sunday Dare ( Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications); Tunde Rahman (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Media); Abdulaziz Abdulaziz (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Print Media); O’tega Ogra – (Senior Special Assistant (Digital/New Media); Tope Ajayi – Senior Special Assistant (Media & Public Affairs); Segun Dada (Special Assistant — Social Media); Nosa Asemota – Special Assistant (Visual Communication); Mr Fredrick Nwabufo (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Public Engagement); Mrs Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe (Senior Special Assistant to the President — Strategic Communications) and Mr Aliyu Audu (Special Assistant to the President — Public Affairs). With all these people managing the public image and media affairs of the president, one then begins to wonder why there is still a huge disconnect between the government and Nigerians. Aside from Onanuga, the head of the Media and Publicity Directorate who has been doing a yeoman’s job so far, who else can one pinpoint as speaking for the president?. I can’t remember Tunde Rahman granting any interview as a presidential spokesperson; the last time I read about him, he represented the president at the Service of Songs organised for the late Doyin Okupe in Lagos. When Daniel Bwala was appointed as special adviser on media and public communications to the president, he claimed he was the official spokesperson to President Tinubu; the presidency issued a statement that the president has no individual spokesperson but all three special advisers – Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare and Daniel Bwala – will “collectively serve as spokespersons for the government”. How can you have three special advisers jointly speaking for one president who claims he has implemented the Oronsaye report aimed at cutting the cost of governance? What will Sunday Dare or Bwala say that Onanuga alone can’t say? Since his redesignation, Bwala, an erudite lawyer, has been trying his best to communicate the policies and reforms of the president to Nigerians. However, many Nigerians hardly take what he says with a pinch of salt, given his antecedents and previous negative remarks about the…

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Akpabio To Natasha, Abbo: Apologize And Compensate Me Or Face Legal Action

Akpabio To Natasha, Abbo: Apologise And Compensate Me Or Face Legal Action

Fola Badmus05 mins

The Senator President Godswill Akpabio has condemned the unfounded, false, and inflammatory claims made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for being involved in a plot to assassinate her. During a public statement in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, the suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recklessly and maliciously alleged that Senator Akpabio had “recruited” former Governor Yahaya Bello to “assassinate her in Kogi State instead of Abuja.” These allegations are not only completely false but are also a dangerous and irresponsible attempt to stir public unrest, attract media attention, and discredit the Senate President for personal motives. “It is important to note that this same individual had previously made an unsubstantiated accusation of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio, a claim which she later abandoned without explanation. After this narrative failed to gain traction, she has escalated her campaign of misinformation to a more sinister level with these false assassination claims. “This pattern of deliberate falsehoods and manipulative tactics highlights her apparent willingness to exploit public sensitivities through recurring victimhood stories. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has previously made similar assassination accusations against former Governor Yahaya Bello and others in 2019 and 2023, alongside multiple unfounded sexual harassment allegations. This consistent campaign to tarnish reputations through baseless allegations must not be allowed to succeed. “Additionally, just 24 hours after these accusations, former Senator Elisha Abbo appeared on Arise Television to revive a previously retracted claim, accusing Senator Akpabio of “manipulating the judiciary” to secure his removal from the Senate. Nigerians will recall that Mr. Abbo publicly apologized in 2023 after retracting these claims, acknowledging they were based on incorrect assumptions. His removal was the result of a constitutionally sound judicial decision by the Court of Appeal, which ruled he was not properly elected to represent Adamawa North,” the statement read. Senator Abbo also falsely claimed he was denied his entitlements by the Senate President. This allegation is categorically untrue, as salaries and allowances are processed through strict administrative and legal procedures, and the Senate President does not have the power to unilaterally approve or deny such requests. “The timing and similarity of these coordinated attacks point to a politically motivated smear campaign. These individuals, likely supported by undisclosed interests, appear determined to undermine the credibility of the Senate and its leadership to distract from their own political shortcomings and failures. “Senator Godswill Akpabio remains undeterred. As a committed statesman devoted to national unity, institutional integrity, and the rule of law, he will not be distracted by malicious falsehoods or inflammatory rhetoric. “Legal action, including formal letters of demand seeking immediate public retractions, apologies, and compensation for reputational damage, will soon be served to both Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Mr. Elisha Abbo. “We urge the Nigerian public and the international community to reject these baseless and provocative narratives. Under Senator Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate remains focused on its constitutional duties: promoting legislative excellence, safeguarding democratic values, and driving meaningful progress for Nigeria.”

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Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Steps Down as Tinubu’s Political Adviser

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Steps Down As Tinubu’s Political Adviser

Fola Badmus07 mins

Impeccable sources in the presidency confirmed yesterday that the former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) tendered his resignation about two weeks ago. The sources said Dr. Baba-Ahmed did not provide details of the reasons for his decision, only stating that it was on personal grounds. However, as of the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether the presidency had accepted his resignation. Baba-Ahmed was appointed Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima in September 2023. Over the past 17 months, he has represented the presidency at several public fora, including a recent national conference themed: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity”, which held from 28th to 29th January, 2025 in Abuja. Clash with Matawalle over NEF Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s role in the presidency drew criticism at certain points. A notable criticism came from the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle. In April 2024, Matawalle appeared to have taken an aim at Dr. Baba-Ahmed, when he said northern appointees must not remain silent in the face of intimidation or misrepresentation of the Tinubu administration. His remarks came after Baba-Ahmed criticised Matawalle’s dismissal of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) as a “political paperweight”. That position by the minister was in reaction to the group’s statement that the North had made a mistake voting for Tinubu in 2023. Baba-Ahmed had argued that the Tinubu administration would have been better served if Matawalle had highlighted his own achievements as a minister—along with those of other northern appointees—rather than attacking the NEF. “Scathing criticism of NEF by the junior minister of defence, Matawalle, is ill-advised. He could have done a better job for this administration if he identified contributions of especially northern ministers and other appointees like me to improving security and reducing poverty in the North,” Baba-Ahmed wrote. Matawalle fired back, insisting that government appointees had a duty to defend and promote the administration they served. “Dr Baba-Ahmed’s relationship and affinity with the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is well known,” Matawalle said, adding that: “As an appointee of this administration, it is his responsibility to work for its success, protect and defend the government against unjust and vicious attacks from those who hide under ethnic and other primordial interests to heat up the polity for myopic reasons”. The minister stressed further that: “Every appointee of President Tinubu, including Dr. Baba-Ahmed, owes the government a duty to promote, elucidate, and advance its good works and commendable efforts across all sectors. “As appointees from the North, we must take a stand, be unequivocal, and be counted among those working for the success of this administration. This is not the time to keep quiet in the face of intimidation and misrepresentation of the efforts and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, the junior minister maintained. Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed at a glance Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed (born September 11, 1955) is a Nigerian retired senior civil servant and former Chief of Staff to ex-Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. He hails from Kaduna State. A practising Muslim, he has held several key positions in public service and governance. Baba-Ahmed studied at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the London School of Economics, and the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. He began his career as a lecturer at the then University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto) before joining the Kaduna State Civil Service. He later transferred to the Federal Civil Service, where he rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary. During his career, Baba-Ahmed served as Permanent Secretary in various capacities, including in the Presidency and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He also held the position of Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). A reform-minded public servant, he also served as Secretary to the Kaduna State Government. His contributions to governance earned him the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR). Baba-Ahmed is regarded as an elder statesman in Northern Nigeria. Before his appointment as Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President in the Office of the Vice President, he was the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), where he spoke openly against policies that were perceived to be against the interests of the North, and of the various parts of Nigeria.

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Court Bars Interviews in Natasha’s Case Against Akpabio

Fola Badmus03 mins

Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a directive barring all parties involved in the ongoing lawsuit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and three other defendants from granting press interviews or making public statements regarding the subject matter of the case. The ruling, delivered on Friday, came in response to a complaint by Akpabio’s legal counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), who raised concerns that the plaintiff, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, had been actively granting interviews to various television stations. These interviews focused on the details of her case, which is currently before the court, and were seen as potentially influencing public perception of the legal proceedings. In her decision, Justice Nyako emphasized the importance of ensuring that the case proceeds without undue external interference. She stated that no party, nor their lawyers, should engage in public discussions or give interviews regarding the ongoing case, in order to maintain the integrity of the judicial process. The ruling reflects the court’s commitment to preventing any actions that could prejudice the case or undermine the fairness of the trial. This injunction aims to safeguard the legal process from being influenced by public opinion or media portrayal, ensuring that the case is decided based solely on the facts and legal arguments presented in court. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is not swayed by outside factors. The decision has drawn attention to the potential impact of media coverage on high-profile cases and reinforces the principle that court matters should be determined in the courtroom, not in the court of public opinion. As the case continues, it remains to be seen how this ruling will affect the strategies of the parties involved.

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Akpabio Punished Natasha, But Saraki Never Punished Him for the Same Offense

Akpabio Punished Natasha, But Saraki Didn’t for Same Offense -Senator Abbo

Fola Badmus04 mins

Former Adamawa North senator, Ishaku Elisha Abbo, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of acting like an “emperor” in handling the sexual harassment allegation raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, Abbo criticised Akpabio for allegedly ordering Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Senate, contrasting it with his own past encounter with Akpabio in the 8th Senate. He recalled a verbal altercation between Akpabio and then-Senate President Bukola Saraki over seat arrangements, emphasising that Akpabio was not suspended. “In Natasha’s case, Akpabio acted like an emperor and ordered her suspension for six months,” Abbo stated. The former senator also revisited his ousting from the Senate, calling it an act of “judicial banditry.” He alleged that the judge who ruled against him knew the decision was unjust, revealing that an intermediary was later sent to his house to plead with him. “The judge ruled that elections took place in five local governments but cancelled results in two, affecting 203 polling units, without ordering a rerun. That was outright robbery,” he said. Abbo further criticised the National Judicial Council (NJC) for its inability to discipline appellate-level judges, advocating for restructuring the body to ensure accountability. When questioned about his controversial past, including an incident where he was filmed slapping a store owner in Abuja, Abbo claimed the video excluded the part where his sister was allegedly assaulted. In 2019, Abbo faced widespread criticism after being filmed assaulting a woman in a intimacy gadget shop in Abuja. The court subsequently imposed a fine of N50 million on the lawmaker for the assault. Some months later, Abbo was again caught on camera, this time assaulting a man named Silas Daniel in his hometown of Mubi. Silas, a former Personal Assistant (PA) to Abbo, was reportedly attacked with machetes, daggers, and clubs by thugs acting under the lawmaker’s orders. On January 4, 2023, SaharaReporters revealed that policemen from the Federal Capital Territory, acting under Senator Abbo’s orders, detained freelance journalist Yau Saeed Mubi. Mubi was arrested on December 27 following a publication criticising the lack of good governance in Adamawa North, which Abbo represented at the time.

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Akpabio to Abbo: You Are Bitter and Desperate for Political Relevance

Akpabio to Abbo: You Are Bitter and Desperate for Political Relevance

Fola Badmus17 mins

The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to another round of spurious and malicious accusations by Mr. Elisha Abbo, who unlawfully represented Adamawa North Senatorial District save a judicial intervention. He has again sought to blame the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, for the travail of his judicial sanction that occasioned his ouster from the Senate. It is sad and regrettable that despite publicly retracting a similar allegation in 2023—after admitting that his earlier accusation was “premature and based on the available information at our disposal”—Mr. Abbo has once again embarked on a campaign of misinformation and blame transfer. Following a discussion with the Senate President last year, Mr. Abbo himself acknowledged that Senator Akpabio had “no involvement” in the judicial process that led to his removal. It is puzzling that he would now return to the same baseless allegations he once renounced. For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal, after a thorough legal process, ruled unequivocally that Mr. Abbo’s presence in the Red Chamber was in error. The court determined that he was not validly elected as the Senator for Adamawa North, and consequently, he was removed. The court acted in accordance with the extant laws and the Constitution within its sacred duty to uphold the rule of law. Senator Akpabio, a seasoned lawyer and democrat, holds the independence of the judiciary in the highest regard and would never interfere in its processes. It is therefore both illogical and irresponsible for Mr. Abbo to now turn around and allege that the Senate President influenced a court judgment—a judgment which he himself accepted at the time and for which he expressed contrition for his earlier unfounded claims. ( see Punch newspaper of 18th October, 2023) Mr. Abbo has also sought to create the impression that he was unjustly denied official benefits following his ouster. He claims entitlement to salaries, allowances, and even an official vehicle, despite the court’s declaration that his tenure was null and void ab initio. In matters of financial and administrative processing, it must be stated that the Senate President only approves payments that have been duly vetted and forwarded by the appropriate administrative units, in line with extant laws, Senate procedures, and standard due diligence practices. If any of Mr. Abbo’s claims for payment did not reach the desk of the Senate President, it is because they failed to meet these lawful standards—not because of any personal or political vendetta. It is unfortunate that instead of accepting the consequences of his legal and political failings, Mr. Abbo continues to resort to media theatrics and reckless finger-pointing. Even more telling is his record of public conduct. Nigerians will recall that in 2019, he was caught on video assaulting a female citizen in Abuja—an incident for which he was ordered by a competent court to pay N50 million in damages. This is a matter of public record and speaks volumes about his temperament and disposition. His recent outbursts about unpaid travels and imagined plots further reinforce the conclusion that his actions are driven not by facts or principle, but by bitterness and desperation to remain politically relevant. These claims are not only baseless, but they reek of grievance and a refusal to accept personal responsibility for his removal and loss of public trust. Senator Godswill Akpabio remains focused on the noble task of nation-building, providing purposeful leadership in the Senate, and strengthening democratic institutions—especially the independence of the judiciary. He will not be distracted by the antics of individuals who seek to rewrite history to mask personal failures. We urge Mr. Abbo to reflect deeply, respect the rule of law, and focus on rebuilding the confidence of his constituents if he hopes to return to public life. Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when its actors show maturity, responsibility, and an abiding respect for the truth.

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Kebbi Special Advisers Reaffirm Support for Governor Idris

Kebbi Special Advisers Reaffirm Support for Governor Idris

Fola Badmus02 mins

The Kebbi State Special Advisers’ Forum, comprising 142 members, has expressed unwavering support for Governor Nasir Idris. During a Sallah homage at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Haliru Bunza praised the governor’s inclusive governance, highlighting significant advancements in infrastructure and human capacity development. Dr. Bunza noted the unprecedented socioeconomic growth under Governor Idris, emphasizing the historic achievement of appointing 142 Special Advisers as a commitment to inclusive governance. He also lauded the governor’s open-door policy, which has positively impacted the community, and assured continued backing from the forum.​Trending News Additionally, Special Advisers Alhaji Lawali Na Allah and Alhaji Arzika Muhammad Dan Atto expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. They requested further engagement with the administration and urged the prompt payment of their approved Furniture Allowance. In response, Governor Idris approved their requests, directing the Secretary to the State Government and the state Accountant General to ensure all outstanding Furniture Allowances are settled by April 2, 2025. He also prioritized regular meetings with the Special Advisers to enhance collaboration.​ Governor Idris commended the Special Advisers for their significant contributions and reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance. He pledged to continue fulfilling campaign promises while maintaining open communication with all stakeholders. The governor also reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to citizens’ welfare, highlighting the successful implementation of the new national minimum wage and a focus on delivering democratic dividends to all residents, regardless of political or ethnic backgrounds

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Tinubu Should Restore Fubara, Administrator Unconstitutional – NBA

Rivers’ Situation Can Lead To Feelings Of Depression – Fubara

Fola Badmus02 mins

The suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed that the political climate in the state could lead to feelings of depression. Speaking with Muslim leaders who visited him at his residence in Port Harcourt, Fubara stated: “As humans, we may feel somewhat depressed due to the situation and what we are witnessing, but there may be deeper forces at play that are beyond our understanding. Despite this, we continue to give glory to God. During this season of joy, love, and sacrifice, I want you to know that I share in your celebration. I remain optimistic that we will emerge stronger. Our vision for this state is a society where no one is oppressed. This is a crucial part of our struggle. Please remain patient and do not let anyone provoke you, as their goal is to cause division and disrupt our peace. They seek to undermine your livelihoods, but we will not allow that. We will continue to uphold peace and respect for the authorities, ensuring that Rivers State remains a model for others in Nigeria.”

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